Sickle cell disease
Disease Information
Tests
The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis. Early diagnosis of sickle cell disease is essential in providing proper preventative treatment for some of the devastating potential complications. Sickle cell disease can be identified by the following tests:
- review of newborn screening results
- hemoglobin electrophoresis
- complete family history
- additional blood tests
In addition, using complex genetic tests, we are able to identify the specific type of sickle cell disease as well as your child’s unique genetic variations.
After we complete all necessary tests, our experts meet to review and discuss what they have learned about your child's condition. Then we will meet with you and your family to discuss the results and outline the best treatment options.
Newborn screening
Certain newborn screening tests are done on every baby born in every United States within the first few days of life to detect serious, life-threatening diseases.
- All babies are tested within the first several days of life.
- A hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that can determine if your child is a carrier of sickle cell trait or has any of the diseases associated with sickle cell.
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Reviewed by Matthew Heeney, MD,
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2011
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